ABERGAVENNY is THE place to be seen nowadays after the town played host to two mega-celebrities in the space of just 48 hours reports PAUL JAMES.

First to put in an appearance was one of the world's cleverest men, Sir Stephen Hawking, who popped into a local hotel for lunch.

The author of The Brief History of Time lived up to his famous book's title by enjoying a quick lunch for three at a popular town tavern on Easter Sunday.

The owners of the hotel did not wish to comment about the great man's fleeting visit, although his picture can be seen on a number of social media websites.

Meanwhile, just two days later, the greatest living Irishman - Sir Terry Wogan - popped up in Abergavenny, visiting St Mary's Priory and the Tithe Barn as well as dropping in at the King's Arms.

He and a BBC entourage, also protective of the celebrity's own space, were in town to shoot sequences for a forthcoming BBC2 food series.

Sir Terry was entertained in the pub kitchen where he was given an insight into a old recipe for boiled sweets.

Landlords Jon and Sacha Child were delighted to have the TV chat show king and Radio Two morning show god at their place in Nevill Street.

'It was fantastic to see him. He was very polite, although he looked a little tired.

" It was a very positive experience to welcome him here and to Abergavenny,' said Jon afterwards.

From the Kings Arms the Wogan roadshow headed for the castle where he was treated to some good, honest Welsh victuals, courtesy of the Hang Fire Smokehouse from Llantwit Major.

They treated Sir Terry, a fond fan of all things tasty, to a leg of Welsh lamb and pork spare ribs.

Tickling his tastebuds were Shauna Guinn and business partner Samantha Evans, assisted by Mark Sedgwick.

Also on hand at the food fest was Abergavenny Food Festival's Chief Executive Heather Myers who told Sir Terry all about the town's burgeoning reputation as a centre of gastronomic excellence.